Indications for exam:

Bone scintigraphy can be useful in detecting changes in the bone metabolism indicating any of a number of various abnormalities.  If a more localized process is suspected, such as stress fracture, then a more limited portion of the skeleton is imaged.  For many localized problems, especially those of inflammatory, traumatic or vascular nature, a knowledge of the associated changes in region blood flow and volume may be quite useful.  In such situations a triple phase study is performed which includes: (1) rapid sequential imaging of vascular filling, (2) immediate static images of region blood volume and (3) bone scintigraphy.

Principle:

Bone imaging is accomplished by radionuclide scintigraphy post administration of 99mTc-labeled organic polyphosphates.  The osseous accumulation of these radiopharmaceuticals are dependent on bone blood flow and their extraction by mineral component of bone.  Bone tissue is normally in a dynamic state of equilibrium, as it is constantly being broken down and replaced.  It is the replacement aspect of bone turnover that is associated with the normal uptake of radiopharmaceutical and subsequent ability to image the skeleton.  After injection the radiopharmaceutical rapidly equilibrates in the extracellular fluid space, from which it is cleared simultaneously by bone uptake and renal excretion.  At 2-4 hours approximately 50% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine and at 24 hours 70% of the dose is excreted with the remainder in the skeleton.  Bone scintigraphy is usually started at 2-4 hours post injection to allow for a significant decrease in background (soft tissue) activity.

Required scheduling information:

• Patient name, DOB, current weight and home phone.

• Reason for exam.

• Is there any known malignancy?  Infection?

• Has there been surgery or injury to the area being imaged?

• Are current x-rays of the region of interest available?  If so, please have them sent to the Nuclear Medicine Department at SHMC prior to the patient's scheduled imaging date.

• Does the patient have pain that requires medication?  If so, arrangements must be made by the ordering physician.

Nuclear Medicine
Sacred Heart Medical Center
1255 Hilyard St., Eugene
(541) 686-7010

Please call 686-7010 to schedule your patient's exam.

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